Former TV news anchor vying for seat on Kelowna council

A former Global Okanagan news anchor has tossed his hat in the ring for a seat on Kelowna's city council.

"Having lived in communities across Canada and B.C., I moved to Kelowna 32 years ago and quickly realized there’s nowhere else I’d rather live. Today, I still feel that way," retired broadcaster Rick Webber said in a press release issued today, June 7.

"After delivering news and information to local homes for many years as a television news anchor and producer, I would like to continue contributing to my community in a public service capacity."

As a journalist, he said he has an understanding of how systems of government works, as well as three decades of experience covering issuing facing the community.

"Kelowna is a unique city in so many ways. It’s also been listed as the fastest growing city in Canada. As a result, we are feeling the impact of a housing shortage and a huge jump in housing prices and rental rates. There will be demand for thousands of new housing units in the years ahead. It’s crucial to encourage the construction of more affordable housing, especially rentals," he said.

Public safety is an issue that has affected him personally in the past year, he was attacked or accosted twice. Prior to these incidents, he never felt his sense of safety was threatened in the city.

He supports council’s goal to hire more RCMP officers. 

"At the same time, the city must continue to lobby senior governments to increase sentences for repeat offenders and to provide more effective aid for those with addiction."

The municipal election will be held Oct. 15.

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